We live in difficult times, and it is easy to lose your way. I have discovered that Christian believers can be as broken and lost as anyone else. The One who shepherds our souls is working to retrieve us and bring us to safety, looks for us and brings us home. I really like the following passage, especially in Eugene Peterson’s wonderful paraphrase, in the Message.
Luke 15
The Story of the Lost Sheep
1-3By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” Their grumbling triggered this story.
4-7“Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.’ [The Message]
I suppose that we chose to what we are theologically aligned to. But in this case, there are two distinct poles. The lost, and those who wouldn’t ever dream of being lost. They all see the world in a different way. Are you a ‘lost sheep?’
If we want to, we can grasp the world by the right way. If you can’t come as a sinner, then you will undoubtedly come as a “pharisee,” full of pride and self-righteousness. You must make the decision all by yourself.
Related articles
- The Sheep That Was Lost (joshharris.com)
- The Problem with Luke 15/The Lost Sheep 072512 (mennonitepreacher.wordpress.com)
- Never Lost, But Found (truewarriorsofgod.wordpress.com)
- An Open Letter from a Lost Sheep (new.exchristian.net)
Broken Believers 
Was definitely a lost sheep. I rejoice that I was pursued and found! Peace, Linda
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Well, I know how I came… miserable and wretched as they come. I’m still like that sometimes. ;)
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